Assembly for Measuring Temperature of Materials Flowing Through Tubing in a Well System

ABSTRACT

An assembly for measuring a temperature of a fluid flowing through a tubing section is provided. The assembly can include the tubing section that can include a reduced-width portion. The reduced-width portion can traverse a circumference of the tubing section. The assembly can also include a temperature measurement component in thermal communication with an inner diameter of the tubing section. A temperature of a fluid flowing through the tubing section can be detected using the temperature measurement component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/389,868titled “Assembly for Measuring Temperature of Materials Flowing ThroughTubing in a Well System,” filed Oct. 1, 2014, which is a U.S. nationalphase under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Patent Application No.PCT/US2013/063824, filed Oct. 8, 2013, the entireties of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for use in wellsystems and, more particularly (although not necessarily exclusively),to assemblies for measuring temperature of materials flowing throughtubing sections in a well system.

BACKGROUND

A well system (e.g., oil or gas wells for extracting fluids from asubterranean formation) can include one or more tubing sections throughwhich fluid may flow. Fluid temperatures may be measured at differentportions in a well system, such as upstream thermal wells. Priorsolutions for measuring temperature of fluids or other materials flowingthrough a tubing section may provide inaccurate temperaturemeasurements.

Systems and methods are desirable for accurately measuring thetemperature of fluids flowing through a tubing section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an assembly thatincludes a tubing section having an integrated temperature sensoraccording to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative example of anassembly that includes a tubing section having an integrated temperaturesensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 2 according toone aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative example of anassembly that includes a tubing section having an integrated temperaturesensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for manufacturinga tubing section with an integrated temperature sensor according to oneaspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of an example of an assembly that includestubing sections with an expandable element for determining fluidtemperature according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a lateral view of an alternative example of an assembly thatincludes tubing sections with an expandable element for determiningfluid temperature according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a lateral cross-sectional view of an example of an assemblythat includes one or more pumps for circulating a measurement fluidthrough one or more channels in a tubing section according to one aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tubing section ofFIG. 8 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure are directed toassemblies for measuring temperature of fluids or other materialsflowing through tubing sections in a well system. An assembly formeasuring can include a tubing section and a temperature measurementcomponent in thermal communication with an inner diameter of the tubingsection. A temperature of a fluid flowing through the tubing section canbe detected using the temperature measurement component.

A temperature component can be any suitable object, device, or systemused for determining the temperature of fluid flowing through a tubingsection. In some aspects, an assembly for measuring fluid temperaturecan include a temperature component such as a temperature sensor that isenclosed in the body of a tubing section. The temperature sensor beingin thermal communication with the inner diameter of the tubing sectioncan involve the body conducting heat from the inner diameter of thetubing section to the temperature sensor. Heat can be communicated tothe body of the tubing section from fluid flowing through inner diameterof the tubing section. The heat communicated to the body of the tubingsection can increase the temperature of a portion of the tubing sectionbody surrounding the temperature sensor. The temperature of the bodysurrounding the sensor can be equal to or similar the temperature of thefluid flowing through the inner diameter of the tubing section. Thetemperature sensor can measure the temperature of the tubing sectionbody. The temperature sensor can be communicatively coupled to atransmitter or other device for communicating the temperaturemeasurements.

In other aspects, an assembly for measuring fluid temperature caninclude multiple tubing sections with an expandable element positionedbetween the tubing sections. The expandable element can be in thermalcommunication with the inner diameter of the tubing section such thatheat can be communicated from fluid flowing through the tubing sectionsto the expandable element. The expandable element can expand or contractin response to changes in temperature caused by fluid flowing throughthe tubing sections. Heat can be communicated to the expandable elementfrom the fluid flowing through the inner diameters of the tubingsections. The heat communicated to the expandable element can cause theexpandable element to expand or contract. A temperature of the fluid canbe determined based on a function relating the expansion or contractionof the expandable element to the temperature of the tubing section.

In other aspects, an assembly for measuring fluid temperature caninclude a pump for circulating a measurement fluid through one or morechannels in the body of a tubing section. The channels can be in thermalcommunication with the inner diameter of the tubing section such thatheat can be communicated from fluid flowing through the tubing sectionsto a measurement fluid flowing through the channels. The heatcommunicated to the measurement fluid can increase the temperature ofthe measurement fluid. The increased temperature of the measurementfluid can be equal to or similar the temperature of the fluid flowingthrough the inner diameter of the tubing section. The temperature of theheated measurement fluid can be measured to determine the temperature ofthe fluid flowing through the inner diameter of the tubing section.

These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to thegeneral subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe variousadditional aspects and examples with reference to the drawings in whichlike numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions areused to describe the illustrative aspects. The following sections usedirectional descriptions such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,”“upward,” “downward,” “left,” “right,” etc. in relation to theillustrative aspects as they are depicted in the figures, the upwarddirection being toward the top of the corresponding figure and thedownward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure,the uphole direction being toward the surface of the well and thedownhole direction being toward the toe of the well. Like theillustrative aspects, the numerals and directional descriptions includedin the following sections should not be used to limit the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an assembly 100 thatincludes a tubing section 104 having an integrated temperature sensor102 according to one aspect.

The assembly 100 can include the temperature sensor 102 positioned in abody 105 of the tubing section 104. The body 105 can be formed from athermally conductive material, such as a suitable metal. The thermallyconductive material of the body 105 can allow the temperature sensor 102to be in thermal communication with an inner diameter 109 of the tubingsection 104. Heat can be communicated to the body 105 from fluid 107flowing through inner diameter 109 of the tubing section 104. The heatcommunicated to the body 105 can increase the temperature of a portionof the body 105 surrounding the temperature sensor 102. The temperatureof the portion of the body 105 surrounding the temperature sensor 102can be equal to or similar the temperature of the fluid 107. Thetemperature sensor 102 can measure the temperature of the tubing section104. The temperature of portion of the tubing section 104 can be used todetermine the temperature of the fluid 107.

The position of the temperature sensor 102 in the body 105 can reduce orprevent the temperature measurement from being affected by theenvironment external to the tubing section 104. For example, theenvironment external to the tubing section 104 may have a differenttemperature than the fluid 107. The position of the temperature sensor102 in the body 105 can also reduce or prevent damage that may resultfrom positioning a temperature sensor directly in contact with the fluid107.

Any suitable temperature sensor 102 can be used to measure thetemperature of the tubing section 104. In one non-limiting example, thetemperature sensor 102 may be a resistance temperature detector, such asa length of coiled wire wrapped around a non-conductive core. In anothernon-limiting example, the temperature sensor 102 may be a thermocouple.A thermocouple can include two conductors formed from differentmaterials. The two conductors can produce a voltage near a junction atwhich the two conductors are in contact. The voltage produced isdependent on the difference of temperature of the junction to otherparts of the conductors. The temperature of the pipe can be determinedfrom the voltage produced by the thermocouple.

The temperature sensor 102 can be communicatively coupled to atransmitter 108 or other device. The transmitter 108 can communicate thetemperature measurements or other data associated with the temperatureof the fluid 107. For example, the temperature sensor 102 can includeone or more lead wires 106 for connecting the temperature sensor 102 toa transmitter 108, as depicted in FIG. 1. The transmitter 108 cantransmit the temperature measurements to a control unit or other device.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly 100′ that includesa tubing section 104′ having an integrated temperature sensor 102according to one aspect. The tubing section 104′ can be manufacturedwith a reduced-width portion 202. The reduced-width portion 202 caninclude a smaller cross-section area than other portions of the body104′. One or more sleeves 204 a, 204 b can be positioned around thereduced-width portion 202, as depicted in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3. The sleeves 204 a, 204 b can be welded or otherwise attached tothe tubing section 104′.

Any suitable thickness of the reduced-width portion 202 can be used. Forexample, a suitable thickness of the reduced-width portion 202 can be athickness that allows for an accurate measurement of the temperature ofthe body 105′ without damaging the temperature sensor 102.

In additional or alternative aspects, the tubing section 104″ with anintegrated temperature sensor 102 can be manufactured without using areduced-width portion 202 and sleeves 204 a, 204 b. For example, FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of an assembly 100″ that includes a tubingsection 104″ having a temperature sensor 102 positioned in a chamber302. The tubing section 104″ can be manufactured to include the chamber302 in which the temperature sensor 102 can be positioned. In onenon-limiting example, the chamber 302 can be milled into the tubingsection 104″. In another non-limiting example, a mold can be used toform the chamber 302 in the tubing section 104″ during the manufacturingof the tubing section 104″. A suitable sealant 304 can be placed in thechamber 302 adjacent to or surrounding the temperature sensor 102. Thesealant 304 can also surround the lead wires 106. A non-limiting exampleof a suitable sealant is an epoxy. The sealant 304 can prevent fluid orother material from entering the chamber 302.

An assembly 100 including an integrated temperature sensor 102 can beformed via any suitable manufacturing process. For example, FIG. 5 is aflow chart illustrating an example method for manufacturing a tubingsection with an integrated temperature sensor.

The method 400 involves processing a tubing section 104 to define areceiving portion of the tubing section 104, as shown in block 410. Insome aspects, processing the tubing section 104 to define the receivingportion can involve using a milling tool or other suitable tool to cut areduced-width portion 202 into the body 105. In other aspects,processing the tubing section 104 to define the receiving portion of thetubing section 104 can involve using a milling tool or other suitabletool to cut a chamber 302 into the body 105. In other aspects,processing the tubing section 104 to define the receiving portion of thetubing section 104 can involve forming the body 105 using one or moremolds to define a receiving portion.

The method 400 further involves positioning a temperature sensor 102 inthe receiving portion, as shown in block 420.

The method 400 further involves enclosing the temperature sensor 102 inthe receiving portion, as shown in block 430. Any suitable process maybe used to enclose the temperature sensor 102 in the receiving portion.In some aspects, the temperature sensor 102 can be enclosed bypositioning one or more sleeves 204 a, 204 b in a reduced-width portion202 external to the temperature sensor 102 and surrounding thetemperature sensor 102. The sleeves 204 a, 204 b can be coupled to thebody 105 of the tubing section 104 via any suitable process, such as(but not limited to) welding the sleeves 204 a, 204 b to the body 105.In other aspects, the temperature sensor 102 can be enclosed byinjecting a sealant 304 into a chamber 302 adjacent to the temperaturesensor 102.

In additional or alternative aspects, a temperature measurementcomponent can include a component with one or more properties thatchange in response to changes in temperature. For example, FIG. 6 is alateral view of an assembly 500 that includes tubing sections 502 a, 502b with an expandable element 504 that can be used for determining fluidtemperature. The expandable element 504 can be positioned between thetubing sections 502 a, 502 b. The expandable element 504 can be expandor contract in response to changes in temperature. The expandableelement 504 can include any suitable material that expands or contractsin response to changes in temperature, such as (but not limited to)steel or other metals.

Fluid flowing through the tubing sections 502 a, 502 b can change thetemperature of the expandable element 504. The tubing sections 502 a,502 b can be formed from a thermally conductive material, such as metal.The thermally conductive material can provide a thermal communicationpath between the expandable element 502 and inner diameters of thetubing sections 502 a, 502 b. Heat can be communicated to the expandableelement 504 from the fluid flowing through the inner diameters of thetubing sections 502 a, 502 b. The heat communicated to the expandableelement 504 can cause the expandable element to expand or contract. Atemperature of the fluid flowing through the tubing sections 502 a, 502b can be determined based on a function relating the expansion orcontraction of the expandable element 504 to the temperature of thetubing sections 502 a, 502 b.

In some aspects, the expandable element 504 can expand or contract in aradial direction with respect to the tubing sections 502 a, 502 b. Theradial direction is depicted in FIG. 6 by the double-sided arrowperpendicular to the tubing sections 502 a, 502 b. A suitable sensingdevice can measure the radial expansion or contraction of the expandableelement 504. One non-limiting example of a suitable sensing device is astrain gauge 506, as depicted in FIG. 6.

In other aspects, the expandable element 504 can expand or contract inan axial direction with respect to the tubing sections 502 a, 502 b. Asuitable sensing device can measure the radial expansion or contractionof the expandable element 504. One non-limiting example of a suitablesensing device is a strain gauge.

Another non-limiting example of a suitable sensing device is an opticalrange finding system. For example, FIG. 7 is a lateral view of anassembly 500′ that includes an optical range finder 600 coupled to thetubing section 502 a. The optical range finder 600 can include anoptical transmitter 602 and an optical receiver 603. A reflector 604 canbe coupled to the tubing section 502 b. The optical transmitter 602 cantransmit optical signals 605. The reflector 604 can reflect the opticalsignals 605. The optical receiver 603 can receive the reflected opticalsignals 606. A time delay between the transmission of the opticalsignals 605 and the reception of the reflected optical signals 606 cancorrespond to a distance between the optical range finder 600 and thereflector 604. The processing device 601 can determine the distancebetween the optical range finder 600 and the reflector 604.

The expandable element 504 can expand or contract in the axialdirection. The axial direction is depicted in FIG. 7 by the double-sidedarrow parallel to the tubing sections 502 a, 502 b. Expansion orcontraction of the expandable element 504 in the axial direction canchange the distance between the optical range finder 600 and thereflector 604. The expansion or contraction can be determined from thechange in the distance.

In additional or alternative aspects, a temperature measurementcomponent can be a portion of the tubing section through which ameasurement fluid can flow. For example, FIG. 8 is a lateralcross-sectional view of an assembly 700 that includes one or more pumps706 a, 706 b for circulating a measurement fluid through one or morechannels 702 a, 702 b in a tubing section 704 according to one aspect.

The channels 702 a, 702 b can be defined in the body 705 of the tubingsection 704. The pumps 706 a, 706 b can be in fluid communication withthe respective channels 702 a, 702 b via respective control lines 710 a,710 b. The pumps 706 a, 706 b can pump measurement fluid through thechannels 702 a, 702 b. The flow of the measurement fluid is depicted bythe leftward arrows in FIG. 8. Although FIG. 8 depicts two pumps 706 a,706 b for illustrative purposes, any number of pumps can be used. Forexample, in some aspects, a single pump can be in fluid communicationwith multiple channels through a tubing section.

The body 705 of the tubing section 704 can be formed from a thermallyconductive material that allows thermal communication between the innerdiameter 707 of the tubing section 704 and the channels 702 a, 702 b.Heat can be communicated to the measurement fluid in the channels 702 a,702 b from the fluid 708 flowing through inner diameter 707 of thetubing section 704. The heat communicated to the measurement fluid fromthe fluid 708 can increase the temperature of the measurement fluid. Thetemperature of the measurement fluid can be equal to or similar thetemperature of the fluid 708.

The temperature of the heated measurement fluid can be measured usingone or more temperature sensors 712 a, 712 b. The temperature sensors712 a, 712 b can be thermally coupled to the respective outlets 714 a,714 b of the channels 702 a, 702 b. The temperature of the fluid 708 canbe determined from the measurements of the temperature sensors 712 a,712 b.

Any number of channels can be defined by the body 705 of the tubingsection 704. For example, FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional viewof the tubing section 704 that includes channels 702 a-g.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, an assembly for measuring atemperature of a fluid flowing through a tubing section is provided. Theassembly can include a tubing section and a temperature measurementcomponent. The temperature measurement component can be in thermalcommunication with an inner diameter of the tubing section. Atemperature of a fluid flowing through the tubing section can bemeasured or otherwise determined using the temperature measurementcomponent. In some aspects, the temperature measurement component caninclude a temperature sensor enclosed in a body of the tubing section.In some aspects, the body can define a reduced-width portion and asleeve surrounding the reduced-width portion and coupled to the tubingsection. The reduced-width portion can have a smaller cross-sectionalarea than other portions of the body. The temperature sensor can bepositioned in the reduced-width portion. In other aspects, the body candefine a chamber. The temperature sensor can be positioned in thechamber and a sealant is positioned in the chamber adjacent to thetemperature sensor. In additional or alternative aspects, the assemblywith the enclosed temperature sensor can include a transmittercommunicatively coupled to the temperature sensor. The transmitter cantransmit data associated with the temperature of the fluid.

In additional or alternative aspects, the temperature measurementcomponent can include one or more channels defined by a body of thetubing section. In some aspects, the channel can be parallel with adirection of fluid flow through the tubing section. The assembly caninclude one or more pumps in fluid communication with the one or morechannels. The pump can circulate a measurement fluid through thechannel. A temperature sensor connected to one or more outlets of theone or more channels can measure a temperature of the measurement fluid.

In additional or alternative aspects, the temperature measurementcomponent can include an expandable element coupled to the tubingsection. The expandable element can expand in response to a change inthe temperature of the fluid. The assembly can include a sensing devicethat determines an amount by which the expandable element expands orcontracts in response to the change in the temperature of the fluid. Insome aspects, the sensing device can include a strain gauge adjacent tothe expandable element. In other aspects, the assembly further caninclude an additional tubing section and the expandable element can bepositioned between the tubing section and the additional tubing section.The sensing device can include an optical range finder coupled to atleast one of the tubing section and the additional tubing section. Theoptical range finder can measure a distance between a point on thetubing section and a point on the additional tubing section. In someaspects, the expandable element is expandable in a radial direction withrespect to the tubing section. In other aspects, the expandable elementis expandable in an axial direction with respect to the tubing section.

In additional or alternative aspects, a method of manufacturing anassembly for measuring a temperature of a fluid is provided. The methodcan involve processing a tubing section to define a receiving portion ofthe tubing section, positioning a temperature sensor in the receivingportion, and enclosing the temperature sensor in the receiving portion.In some aspects, processing the tubing section to define the receivingportion of the tubing section can include cutting a body of the tubingsection to define a reduced-width portion of the body and whereinenclosing the temperature sensor can include positioning a sleeveexternal to the receiving portion and surrounding the temperature sensorand coupling the sleeve to the body of the tubing section. In otheraspects, processing the tubing section to define the receiving portionof the tubing section can include cutting a chamber into the tubingsection and enclosing the temperature sensor can include injecting asealant into the chamber. In additional or alternative aspects, themethod can involve connecting the temperature sensor to one or more leadwires, extruding at least portion of the one or more lead wires from thetubing section, and connecting a transmitter to the lead wire.

The foregoing description of the disclosure, including illustratedaspects and examples has been presented only for the purpose ofillustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Numerousmodifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure.Aspects and features from each example disclosed can be combined withany other example.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a tubing sectioncomprising a reduced-width portion traversing a circumference of thetubing section; and a temperature measurement component positioned inthe reduced-width portion and in thermal communication with an innerdiameter of the tubing section, wherein a temperature of a fluid flowingthrough the tubing section is detectable via the temperature measurementcomponent.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the temperaturemeasurement component comprises a temperature sensor enclosed in thereduced-width portion of the tubing section by a sleeve. the assemblyfurther comprising a transmitter communicatively coupled to thetemperature sensor, the transmitter operable for transmitting dataassociated with the temperature of the fluid.
 3. The assembly of claim2, wherein the sleeve comprises multiple sleeves positioned forcollectively surrounding an entire circumference of the tubing section,wherein the multiple sleeves are welded to the tubing section.
 4. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the tubing section comprises a thermallyconductive material.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the temperaturemeasurement component comprises at least one of a resistance temperaturedetector and a thermocouple.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising: an expandable element coupled to the tubing section andexpandable in response to a change in the temperature of the fluid, theassembly further comprising: a sensing device operable for determiningan amount by which the expandable element expands or contracts inresponse to the change in the temperature of the fluid.
 7. The assemblyof claim 6, wherein the sensing device comprises a strain gauge adjacentto the expandable element.
 8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein theassembly further comprises an additional tubing section, wherein theexpandable element is positioned between the tubing section and theadditional tubing section, wherein the sensing device comprises anoptical range finder coupled to at least one of the tubing section andthe additional tubing section, the optical range finder operable formeasuring a distance between a point on the tubing section and a pointon the additional tubing section.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein afirst portion of the tubing section is adapted to contact the fluid anda second portion of the tubing section in contact with the temperaturesensor is adapted to have a lower temperature than the first portionwhen the first portion is contacting the fluid.
 10. An assemblycomprising: a tubing section; and a temperature sensor enclosed in areduced-width portion of the tubing section, wherein the reduced-widthportion traverses a circumference of the tubing section, wherein thetemperature sensor is in thermal communication with an inner diameter ofthe tubing section, and wherein a temperature of a fluid flowing throughthe tubing section is detectable via the temperature sensor; and asleeve external to the reduced-width portion and positioned forenclosing a portion of the reduced-width portion.
 11. The assembly ofclaim 10, further comprising a transmitter communicatively coupled tothe temperature sensor, the transmitter operable for transmitting dataassociated with the temperature of the fluid.
 12. The assembly of claim10, wherein the reduced-width portion has a smaller cross-sectional areathan other portions of a body of the tubing section, wherein thetemperature sensor is positioned in the reduced-width portion, andwherein the sleeve comprises multiple sleeves positioned forcollectively surrounding an entire circumference of the tubing section.13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the reduced-width portion definesa chamber, wherein the temperature sensor is positioned in the chamber,wherein a sealant is positioned in the chamber adjacent to thetemperature sensor.
 14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the tubingsection comprises a thermally conductive material.
 15. The assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the temperature sensor comprises at least one of aresistance temperature detector and a thermocouple.
 16. A method ofmanufacturing an assembly for measuring a temperature of a fluid, themethod comprising: processing a tubing section to define a reduced-widthportion of the tubing section, wherein the reduced-width portiontraverses a circumference of the tubing section; positioning atemperature sensor in the reduced-width portion; and enclosing thetemperature sensor in the reduced-width portion with a sleeve.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein processing the tubing section to define thereduced-width portion of the tubing section comprises cutting a body ofthe tubing section to define the reduced-width portion; whereinenclosing the temperature sensor comprises: positioning the sleeveexternal to the reduced-width portion and surrounding the temperaturesensor; and coupling the sleeve to the body of the tubing section. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the sleeve comprises multiple sleevesand coupling the sleeve to the body of the tubing section comprisescoupling the multiple sleeves around the tubing section such that themultiple sleeves collectively surround an entire circumference of thetubing section.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:connecting the temperature sensor to a lead wire; extruding a portion ofthe lead wire from the tubing section; and connecting a transmitter tothe lead wire.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the temperaturesensor comprises at least one of a resistance temperature detector and athermocouple.